American silver and copper "Indian" punch bowl and ladle, attributed to Joseph Heinrich, New York, retailed by Grogan & Co., Pittsburgh, circa 1900-15

mounted with a row of arrowheads on the foot, the rim applied with central silver shields over trophies of weapons including axes and spears and with patinated Indian-head handles with braids and feathers, gilt interior, the matching ladle with etched geometric designs and an Indian-head finial

foot pushed slightly up into bowl, dent removed from one side of the bowl- there is a 3 inch long area of hammer marks on the interior, but there is no evidence of disruption on the exterior of the bowl, overall in very good condition, with no losses to the shields with applied trophies
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Joseph Heinrich was established as a metal molder and finisher in New York by the 1880's. After 1902 he was listed both at 948 Broadway, opposite the Flatiron building, probably a showroom, and at 227 West 29th Street, most likely a workshop and perhaps a wholesale showroom. Heinrich's innovative copper and silver pieces were retailed by many important firms, including Tiffany and Black Starr & Frost. An "Indian" copper and silver punch bowl and stand, with many of the same motifs as the offered lot, is in the Metropolitan Museum, with a retailer's mark of Shreve, Crump & Low, Boston (Charles L. Venable, Silver in America, fig. 6.68, p. 198). Another similar copper and silver example retailed by Hammersmith & Field, San Francisco was presented as a trophy at the 29th Triennial Conclave in San Francisco, 1904, and sold Sotheby's, New York, January 20-21, 2012, lot 55. The business ended in the mid 1920s. The 1876 Philadelphia Centennial brought about a uniquely American aesthetic, with industries producing objects that celebrated North American flora, fauna, and animals. There was also a particular interest in Native American imagery, which lasted through the early 20th century. Joseph Heinrich produced some of the most overt examples of these "American" objects, and his punch bowls featuring Indian heads and arrowheads are some of the best examples of this aesthetic.